March Steampunk Block of the Month
The March steampunk block of the month is here! This month’s block is a corset, a staple of female steampunk costumes.
Continue ReadingAuthor: Marziah Karch
Marziah Karch lives in Portland, Oregon and is the author of multiple books and magazine articles. Bylines include Lifewire, Rodale's Organic Life, Tech Republic, and WIRED. Marziah earned a Ph.D. with a dissertation focusing on the information behavior of indie game designers.
Magisto Might Really Be the Instagram of Video
Instagram is Instagram because it’s simple, slightly cheesy, and easy to share. Magisto is pretty much that – only with video.
Continue ReadingReview: Python for Kids
Python for Kids is a book from No Starch Press that aims to teach kids ages 10 and up and their parents about the Python programming language. I happen to have an 11 year old daughter for convenient review purposes, so we’ve been working through the book together.
Continue ReadingDoes Your Fridge Make Soda? Samsung’s RF31FMESBSR Does.
I have enough Android tablets in my house that I could probably glue them to every appliance I own. I’m also a seltzer addict. Those two sentences are why I thought the refrigerator that Samsung didn’t announce at CES was far more impressive than the one it did. This one makes soda.
Continue ReadingFebruary Block of the Month Quilt: Steampunk Goggles
It’s time for February’s block of the month in our GeekMom steampunk-themed quilt. t’s never too late to get started, and it’s never too late to get caught up. This month, the pattern is a steampunk staple – the hat with goggles. Whether you’re using them to go racing in experimental vehicles or weld together mad science inventions, you really can never have enough goggles.
Continue ReadingChargeCard Puts Your Charge Cable in Your Wallet
This foldable, tiny cable may be just the right solution to portable power needs for your iPod or iPhone.
Continue ReadingCES: The Future So Far
CES is one of my favorite conferences to attend, because it offers a small glimpse into the future. Sometimes it’s an alternate future where crazy and impractical products are funded and introduced, but it’s a great way to see trends.
Continue ReadingNew Lego EV3 Mindstorms Hands On
Get hands-on with the new Lego EV3.
Continue ReadingIntroducing GeekMom’s Block of the Month Quilt!
Introducing the first ever GeekMom quilt-along. This will be a block of the month style steampunk quilt, and even beginners can get in on the action.
Continue ReadingMaking the Unreal Real: An Interview With Kij Johnson
Remember how I said that Lawrence, Kansas is a secret hub of science fiction and fantasy awesome? Meet Kij Johnson, KU’s new fantasy professor, an award-winning writer of fantastic things, and one of the people that makes the city such a great place for geeks. She’ll be at Oxford this January for the inaugural Pembroke Lecture in Fantasy Literature. Recently, I sat down with her to chat about her work, her books, grad school, and life in general.
Continue ReadingWarning: Downton Abbey Christmas Special Is Spoilerific
Hey, Americans. Don’t watch the Downton Abbey Christmas Special until late February, even if it’s available for streaming early.
Continue ReadingFairy Tales from Philip Pullman
A new book of fairy tales by Philip Pullman? Yes, please. Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm: A New English Version is an amazing book, but in surprising ways. It’s a standard retelling of fairy tales, but with the context and commentary to make an excellent read.
Continue ReadingReview: Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred: Seriously Geeky Stuff to Make with Your Kids
If you want to spend 2013 with practical hands-on learning experiences, this is is a treasure trove of ideas. Better yet, they’re all cheap ideas that you can do without buying a gigantic robotics kit or huge machinery, and there’s enough room to build on the ideas for new inspiration.
Continue ReadingThe Indiana Jones Mail Mystery Solved
Remember that mystery package addressed to Indiana Jones that landed at the University of Chicago? Well the mystery has been solved. The solution is almost as awesome as the package. Ready for this?
Continue ReadingIndiana Jones, You’ve Got Mail!
The University of Chicago office of admissions got what may be one of the most awesome prank packages, ever, and they’re enlisting the help of the Internets to find the sender. That, or they’re part of the prank and are enlisting us for free advertising. Either way, it’s pure awesome, and I’m in.
Continue ReadingLaptop Bags with a Charge: Urban Junket JB
Finally, someone made a sturdy and functional women’s laptop bag that doesn’t feel like a man’s laptop bag painted pink.
Continue ReadingMy Precious: Adventures with the Lego Lord of the Rings Video Game
Unlike some games that ease you into the play, this game starts with a boss fight – reliving the battle of Sauron from the movie introduction. Talk about epic!
Continue ReadingSamsung Galaxy Camera: Sharing, Editing, and Android
Does your camera run Android? This one does. The Samsung Galaxy Camera is part of a new class of device. It’s got every part of a phone, including a possible two year contract, but this camera doesn’t make phone calls.
Continue ReadingGeekMom in Grad School
Yes, I think it may be proof of my insanity. This summer, I officially started a PhD program in Library and Information Science (LIS).
Continue ReadingHobbits Make Best Airline Safety Video Ever
Air New Zealand has what are probably the best airline safety videos ever. Heck, who knew I’d even want to watch a safety video when not strapped into a seat with no choice. This one features some great cameos. I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand one day, and now I know what airline I’d choose. Well played.
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